American Radical is the insightful and enraging documentary that follows Finkelstein around the world as he attempts to negotiate a voice among his impassioned critics and supporters. Uncompromising even in the face of his recent denial of tenure at DePaul University, Finkelstein is revealed as a complex and supremely lonely figure whose self-destructive nature often undermines his academic credibility
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May 9, 2010
#1
“American Radical: Trials of Norman Finklestein”
Impartial and Balanced
Amos Lassen
Norman Finklestein is a radical to whom I never paid much mind until I saw Yoav Shamir’s “Defamation” and it caused me to want to read everything by and about Finklestein which I am doing at present. Then along came this film which follows Finklestein around the world and he comes across as a complex and very lonely person with a self-destructive nature. Academically the man is brilliant but this is undermined by everything else. The film is enlightening and poignant and is a well constructed documentary which is impartial and balances. Equal time is given to those who are with Finklestein and to those who oppose him; this is something that we do not often see in film.
The film is personal as it looks at the man’s life and then analyzes his beliefs about the Israeli-Palestine situation. The influence of his mother as well as her experiences in the camps at the hands of the Nazis as well as her own inherent sense of justice is looked at.
Regardless of how one may feel about Finklestein, he is a tireless crusader for what he believes. He fights for freedom of speech and a just peace between Palestine and Israel and there is no question that the man is passionate and humble who is one of those men that come to be regarded as unsung heroes. The film looks at academic censorship and the Zionists control the discourse in the Middle East (or so the movie says).
What we really see here are Finklestein’s convictions regarding everything. He gives us the truth as he sees it. He has been the object of very harsh criticism and he is not, as many say, a self-hating Jew. He does what he thinks is best even in the face of hypocrisy. He advocates against violent aggression and he is a brilliant man.
The film is also an excellent introduction to the Israel/Palestine conflict and we most certainly hear both sides and with subtle respect.
Finklestein is a scholar who will not conform to the consensus about the conflict in the Middle East. Instead he speaks out for equality and human rights. Her opinions are controversial but they are just that–his opinions. This is not a comfortable film to watch as it puts an individual at the center of something that all of us share involvement. Because we see the situation through Finklestein, we, in a sense, lose the responsibility to act the way we think to act.
Like Finklestein or hate him, there is no denying that he is an extraordinary person and a man of courage and honesty and integrity but there is so much more that could be said and at times the film seems to be a bit superficial but nevertheless there is a lot here. He is admired and adored by Noam Chomsky while Alan Dershowitz reviles him. David Rigden and Nicolas Rossier made this film to look at what people have said about Finklestein. We see in the film that it is his intellect and disposition that have retarded his general acceptance. The film is as the NY Times says “cautiously respectful” and the same paper calls him “a beacon of moral truth” who is “a thorn in the side of the Israel lobby”.
May 9, 2010
#2
This film while maybe not dwelling enough for some into the history of the IP conflict is a great introduction to the world of this much debated scholar. There are gripping scenes shot in refugee camps in Lebanon as well as excellent parts in Israel including one with one of Finkelstein’s main critics, the well spoken David Olesker who turns out to be quite sympathetic. The directors approached their subject with respect and subtlety and did not shy away from challenging him on every important aspects of his work and personality. Overall this is probably the best political docs I have seen in a long time. Given the tone of uncompromising adulation that can describe most bio pics like this one, viewers will be surprised at how honnest this film is.
May 9, 2010
#3
A riveting and engaging film portraying a tireless and amazing man fighting for freedom of speech and a just peace in Palestine/ Israel. Mr. Finkelstein’s scholarship, passion, humility and humanity are unmatched and they come through so clearly in this film. He’s an unsung hero of this country and I thank the filmmakers for bringing attention to him. Although the film does not go in depth into his scholarship and the issues for which the Zionist lobby, organized or individuals, have gone after him for, I still think the film succeeds in bringing to the surface the problems with academic censorship and Zionist control over the discourse in this country.
May 9, 2010
#4
American Radical: Trials of Norman Finkelstein beautifully illustrates the conviction that Dr. Norman Finkelstein has for his beliefs and the great hardships, emotionally as well as environmental, he has faced to be honest to himself and speak the truth as he sees it. As a son of Holocaust survivors, Dr. Finkelstein has especially come under harsh criticism by many in the Jewish community. Not ashamed of his Jewish background, tough vocal critics try to assign the title of self-hating to Dr. Finkelstein, his career is a testiment to doing the right thing in the face of hypocrisy. An activist against violent agression, Dr. Finkelstein is not only inspiring for academics, but can be understood by the novice learning about differing opinions. This movie does an excellent job of balancing the private, public, academic and a bit tortured aspects of Dr. Finkelsteins live without compromising in a way that leaves Dr. Finkelstein appearing infalliable.
May 9, 2010
#5
This documentary excellently covers Finkelstein’s life, private & public persona and the controversy surrounding his intellectual work. In it you’ll find some of his finest achievement and public moments, along with a portrayal of what makes him up psychologically and (somewhat regrettably) the views of his detractors like Alan Dershowitz (shudder). This doc is a must-see for the Finkelstein fan and opponent alike.